Manchester United are expected to undergo a defensive overhaul next transfer window as Jose Mourinho is reportedly not content with the options available at his disposal. He has gone public, expressing his displeasure for the likes of Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling. The ‘Special One’ will look to spend big to sign someone soon. Burnley's Michael Keane has emerged as one of the prime targets that is being targeted by Mourinho with United also emerging as bookmaker's favourite to land the youngster.
Michael Keane was a product of the United academy but was sold when Louis Van Gaal took over. Keane has been in sensational form this season for the Clarets which has seen him being called up to Gareth Southgate's squad for friendlies for the Three Lions. He along with another former United academy graduate, Tom Heaton were at the heart of a stunning draw that Burnley churned out against the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
With the constant injury concerns over the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia; Mourinho has seemingly decided that the transfer market is the solution to take his United team forward. If he succeeds in luring Keane back to Old Trafford, it would be a return like Paul Pogba did this summer which in turn made him the most expensive player in the world. Skybet have slashed the odds at 5/1 in favour of Manchester United for Keane as Mourinho's team went ahead of the likes of Leicester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
The 23-year-old had made just five appearances for United during his time at the club but at Burnley, he has become the mainstay of the defence under Sean Dyche. He was loaned out to Leicester City, Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley before making the temporary switch to Sean Dyche's side permanent in January 2015. And now, a fee in the region of £25 million is said to be the asking price set by Burnley for the central defender.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has made Luke Shaw train alone with more than half of the squad away on international duty. The duo of Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling missed the 3-1 victory over Swansea in the Premier League with a small niggle which incurred the wrath of Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese went public in criticising his players as he accused them of not being brave enough to play through the pain barrier.
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